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20th September 2021
07:49am BST
Gardaí were alerted to a number of protestors outside a residence in Dublin 8 at approximately 1pm on Sunday, a Garda spokesperson confirmed to JOE, adding that Gardaí attended and the protest ended without incident.
Video circulated online of the incident, viewed by JOE, contained the use of homophobic and racist language, while at least one banner appeared to carry an anti-vaccine message. The protest drew a strong reaction from TDs, including opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald, who called for those involved to be investigated and prosecuted. "The homophobic, bigoted intimidation witnessed at the home of Leo Varadkar is outrageous and shameful," McDonald wrote on Twitter on Sunday night. "The perpetrators must be held to account." https://twitter.com/MaryLouMcDonald/status/1439700896670265349 Minister for Higher and Further Education Simon Harris, meanwhile, called out the incident in particularly strong terms. "Sickening, repulsive, disgusting behaviour outside the home of Leo Varadkar and Matt [Barrett]," said Harris. "It has no place in a democracy, must be condemned by all and called out for what it is. Efforts to dehumanise politicians contributes to this. Vile on so many levels." https://twitter.com/SimonHarrisTD/status/1439671998922338319 The Tánaiste also received support from political figures including Josepha Madigan, Gary Gannon and Brendan Griffin, among others. "It's not okay for the mob to appear at [the] home of Leo Varadkar shouting invective vitriol," said Madigan. "Call this out as unacceptable. Those who flippantly attack here on social media and mainstream media might reflect on their words. This is the consequence. Let's not take democracy for granted." https://twitter.com/josephamadigan/status/1439677562108665858 Varadkar has yet to comment publicly on Sunday's incident. Featured Image via Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ieExplore more on these topics:
